Casey continues chase of NFL dream at pro day

Gatlin Casey sprinted down the field with everything he had, doing his best to impress those watching during a pro day at the University of West Florida’s Pen Air Field. Amid the crowd of onlookers was Rick Reiprish, a senior scouting assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Casey displayed his speed in the 40-yard dash and shuttle run. He showed off his knack for making a catch during a route running drill on a warm Sunday afternoon.

Once upon a time, the chance to be this close to making an NFL dream come true seemed out of reach. It’s now within the same grasp that made him a go-to guy in high school and college.

“It’s crazy. You never think you’ll get any opportunity, and here we are,” Casey said.

Casey is a Navarre grad. He went on to play at Lehigh, where he established himself as one of the best wide receivers at the FCS level. He spent last season as a grad transfer at Middle Tennessee State. There, he continued to play at the level he’s accustomed to. He was third on the team in receiving in 2018.

Casey believes the chance to play at two different schools and two different levels – MTSU is an FBS school – is an advantage.

Read the full article in the March 28 issue of Navarre Press. Subscribe online at navarrepress.com for as little as $38 per year.